Taking a stand on I-70 proposal

The future of Interstate 70 through north Denver cannot avoid controversy, even when it comes to a simple and sensible proclamation from the Denver City Council.

OnMonday, the council is expected to take up a proclamation that, among other things, states general support for the plan that would reconstruct the highway in its current location and alignment and lower it below grade.

Some believe the council should not publicly endorse the plan until after the environmental impact statement has been submitted and comments are being accepted.

“I’m not sure it’s baked yet,” said Councilwoman Debbie Ortega, who is concerned the proclamation is getting ahead of the process. Other skeptics spoke at a hearing last week.

True, lots of questions are unanswered about the $1.8 billion plan to revamp I-70 from Brighton Boulevard to Tower Road.

Should a second cover be added at Vasquez Boulevard? How would that be funded? Should the highway be widened to 10 lanes?

But the council’s proclamation doesn’t address those specifics. It merely states support for the chosen alternative and continued collaboration between city and state. It also emphasizes a focus on reconnecting the neighborhoods cleaved when I-70 was built.

State officials say the city’s support, even with a nonbinding proclamation, will help when the state begins seeking federal funds.

The proclamation would provide a sense of general consensus — even though City Auditor Dennis Gallagher recently voiced his opposition to the 10-lane proposal.

“What we are doing here is saying, ‘We are in, and this is where we hope it ends up,’ ” said councilman Chris Nevitt.

Without committing members to every detail, that makes perfect sense.